About ARCA
We believe a city prospers when it listens to its residents; when their voices are ignored, decline follows quickly.
From civic awakening
to civic action
Advance Richmond Community Alliance (ARCA) is a grassroots civic organization formed by Richmond residents. It grew from community concern about drug policy and poorly planned housing proposals into a lasting civic force committed to protecting the city's future.
Through endorsing municipal candidates who genuinely reflect public priorities, hosting community discussions and forums, supporting parents and families, and organizing voters, we amplify residents' voices through democratic action—so Richmond's future is led by the people who live here.
Step by step, the path of advance
Supervised consumption site hearing disregards public input
More than 120 residents registered to speak, nearly 100 attended council to voice opposition, 1,000 rallied outside City Hall, and 20,000 signed a petition—yet council voted 7–2 to approve a study motion, highlighting the gap between public input and decision-making.
Family Day anti-drug rally
Richmond's largest resident-led gathering brought neighbours from across the city together to call for transparency, accountability, and meaningful public consultation.
From protest to organization
Residents recognized that protest alone could not change decisions. They began connecting and meeting through an informal residents' network to plan more effective civic participation.
ARCA formally established and registered
The organization formally adopted the name Advance Richmond Community Alliance and registered as an elector organization with Elections BC, enabling it to lawfully endorse candidates and accept contributions.
Endorsing candidates and strengthening community ties
ARCA endorsed candidates for City Council and School Board and continues to build dialogue between voters and elected representatives through civic forums, resident meetings, and door-to-door outreach.
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